New Police Number For Essex

In a bid to reduce the number of 999 calls a new number for police has been launched.

We're being asked to dial 101 if it's not an emergency; something like a crime that's already happened.

It's as latest figures reveal less than a quarter of 999 calls require an emergency response.

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), together with Essex, the City or London and Hertfordshire forces are launching the new contact number.

It's part of a national programme to improve access and should make it easier for us to get in touch with police for anything that is not urgent.

As with 999, calls to 101 will be handled 24 hours a day, seven days a week by specially trained officers and staff.

For people who speak no or little English they can also dial 101 where their call will be connected with an interpreter.